Private pharmacies in tuberculosis control—a neglected link

Rajeswari, R and Balasubramanian, R and Bose, M S C and Sekar, L and Rahman, F (2002) Private pharmacies in tuberculosis control—a neglected link. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 6 (2). pp. 171-173. ISSN Print: 1027-3719; Online: 1815-7920

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Abstract

In most settings in India, private pharmacies dispense prescriptions for anti-tuberculosis drugs made out by private practitioners. In a cross-sectional study, we assessed the dispensing practices for tuberculosis and knowledge about the national tuberculosis programme of 300 pharmacies. In all, 2800 prescriptions were dispensed monthly by the pharmacies. Doctors’ prescriptions were for durations of several months, but half of the patients bought drugs one dose at a time for selfadministration. This practice might promote drug resistance. Although 95% of pharmacists were not aware of the existence of the tuberculosis programme, the majority (97%) were willing to learn and contribute towards tuberculosis control. The need and the potential of private pharmacies for participation in tuberculosis control are highlighted.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	pharmacies; TB control; anti-tuberculosis drugs; resistance
Subjects:	Tuberculosis > Clinical Research
Divisions:	Clinical Research
Depositing User:	Dr. Rathinasabapati R
Date Deposited:	08 Nov 2013 10:02
Last Modified:	10 Mar 2016 04:40
URI:	http://eprints.nirt.res.in/id/eprint/570

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